> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://formulapro.shadebridge.com/formula-pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://formulapro.shadebridge.com/formula-pro/appendix/column-syntax.md).

# Column Reference Syntax

## In Formulas

When writing formulas in Formula Pro automations, you reference columns using placeholders. The exact syntax depends on the integration context:

### `{item's ColumnName}` 

In documentation and recipe builders, columns are often shown as:

```
{item's Status}
{item's Date}
{item's Number}
{item's Timeline}
{item's Assignee}
```

Replace `ColumnName` with your actual column title.

### Literal Prefixes

When a literal character precedes a placeholder (e.g., `#` before a code), use concatenation:

```
CONCATENATE("#", {item's Code})
```

## Column Types and Formats

| Column Type | Format / Notes                                 |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Text        | Plain string                                   |
| Numbers     | Numeric value; use in math directly            |
| Date        | `YYYY-MM-DD` or datetime `YYYY-MM-DD HH:mm:ss` |
| Timeline    | `YYYY-MM-DD+YYYY-MM-DD` (start+end)            |
| Status      | Status label (e.g., "Done", "In Progress")     |
| People      | User ID or display format depending on context |
| Location    | May include `lat:lng:address` format           |
| Email       | `email:Display Name` for link columns          |
| Link        | `url:Label` format                             |

## Common Patterns

### Extracting parts of Timeline

```
LEFT({item's Timeline}, 10)   → Start date
RIGHT({item's Timeline}, 10)  → End date
START({item's Timeline})      → Start (Formula Pro)
END({item's Timeline})        → End (Formula Pro)
```

### Date formatting

```
TEXT(DATEVALUE({item's Date}), "YYYY-MM-DD")
FORMAT_DATE({item's Date}, "MMM DD, YYYY")
```

### Conditional with column value

```
IF({item's Status} = "Done", "Complete", "Pending")
SWITCH({item's Priority}, 1, "High", 2, "Medium", "Low")
```